The 10 Best US Locations for Retirees

After spending many years of our lives working to support ourselves and our loved ones, retirement is a step we look forward to. It promises a new chapter in life, where you are given the freedom to start over, and perhaps find a new place to live, which not too long ago seemed an impossible feat due to the constraints of employment.

We all have our own ideas of what we want our retirement years to look , so picking what is perceived to be the 10 best places in the US, was not an easy task. In making this decision, we took many factors into consideration: climate, surrounding areas, living cost, average housing cost, recreational activity options, cultural diversity and crime rates. So, from cities to suburbs, to paradise... these are the best locations mapped out for you.

1. Bellingham, Washington



The perfect location for active adults, Bellingham is incredibly scenic, offering a plethora of outdoor activities. For the most part, the city is a college town, with Western Washington University and three other community colleges within its vicinity. The town has a thriving, safe and interesting downtown too. Winters are cold, but certainly beautiful and a plus for anybody that enjoys skiing.

3. Venice, Florida



Peaceful, warm throughout the year and with crime rates that are impressively low, Venice is for the most part, a community for the retired, so you can rest assure that all your needs will be catered to. Another perk is that it is one of the most cost effective cities in the state. Retirees living here can enjoy the beautiful beach in the vicinity and 31 municipal parks.

5. The Woodlands, Texas



With options Austin, Rio Grande Valley area, Corpus Christi, and San Antonio, Texas has become one of the best states to retire to, with The Woodlands often considered to be at the top of the list. There are many master-planned communities in the town that cater very well to the needs of retirees. Big cities, Houston, are just 45 minutes away. The crime rates of this suburban area are low as is the cost of living. However, due to recent increase in inhabitants and the quality of life, the prices of houses are on the higher end, the average costing about $280,000.